What Florida State Needs to Do During the Transfer Portal Window to Get Back on Track
Florida State football is staring down a critical offseason. With the transfer portal window set to open on January 2nd, the Seminoles are in a position where every move matters - and after a 7-17 stretch over the past two seasons, the urgency couldn’t be higher.
The recent front office hires - John Garrett as General Manager and Taylor Edwards as Executive Director of Player Acquisitions - are promising steps. But let’s be clear: those are just the opening moves in what needs to be a full-court press to reshape this roster, reestablish the program’s identity, and restore some faith in Tallahassee.
Here’s what Florida State needs to get right during the portal window to start turning things around:
1. Land a Legitimate QB1
Let’s start at the top - quarterback. Florida State has been in the mix for names like Colton Joseph (Old Dominion) and Anthony Colandrea (UNLV), but this position demands more than just potential.
The last two portal additions at quarterback - DJ Uiagalelei and Thomas Castellanos - didn’t move the needle the way the program hoped. Whether that’s due to scheme fit, development, or just bad timing, the result is the same: FSU hasn’t had a true difference-maker under center.
Redshirt freshman Kevin Sperry may have long-term upside, but with only two scholarship quarterbacks on the roster, the Seminoles can’t afford to bank solely on youth. This is the time to be aggressive.
Go get a proven, high-level starter who can lead this offense from day one. If that means opening the checkbook in the NIL era, so be it.
A top-tier quarterback changes everything - not just for the offense, but for the locker room, the fanbase, and the trajectory of the program.
2. Convince Duce Robinson to Run It Back
There’s been radio silence from wide receiver Duce Robinson on whether he’ll return for another year, and that’s a storyline worth watching. Sure, the NFL is calling - and for good reason - but Robinson is a legacy player who’s shown real love for the Garnet and Gold.
If Florida State is serious about attracting an elite quarterback, it helps to have a playmaker like Robinson still in the fold. He’s the kind of weapon that makes a portal QB say, “Yeah, I can work with that.” His presence gives this offense a legitimate threat on the outside, and his return could be a domino that sets the rest of the portal plan in motion.
3. Reinforce the Offensive Line - Again
Assistant coach Herb Hand has done solid work in a short amount of time, bringing in experienced bodies to plug holes. But the job’s not done. The offensive line still needs reinforcements, especially if the Seminoles want to protect that potential new quarterback and establish a more consistent ground game.
There’s young talent in the pipeline - guys like Sandman Thompson, Lucas Simmons, Jonathan Daniels, and Andre Otto - but asking them to anchor the line in 2026 without veteran support is a big ask. Depth is key, and proven production is even better. Florida State needs to hit the portal for linemen who can step in and contribute right away.
4. Upgrade the Pass Rush
Florida State brought in nine defensive linemen in the 2026 recruiting class, which is a great long-term play. But the short-term fix needs to come through the portal - and it needs to be better than last year’s haul.
Of the four transfer defensive linemen added last offseason, only one made any real impact. The rest?
Misses.
That can’t happen again. This defense needs guys who can get after the quarterback - period.
Pressure up front changes the entire dynamic of a defense. It masks weaknesses in the secondary, forces turnovers, and flips field position.
If Florida State wants to be competitive again, it starts with winning in the trenches. The portal is full of experienced edge rushers looking for a new home.
The Seminoles need to find the right ones.
5. Linebacker Play Has to Improve - No Excuses
Last offseason, there was optimism around the linebacker room, especially with the addition of Elijah Herring. But that optimism didn’t translate to the field. Whether it was missed assignments, poor angles, or just getting outmuscled, the linebacker unit struggled - especially in run support.
The low point? Letting Florida’s Jadan Baugh run wild for 266 yards.
That’s not just a bad day - that’s a red flag. Florida State needs linebackers who can diagnose plays, fill gaps, and bring down ball carriers.
Whether it’s through internal development or portal additions, this group has to be more physical and more consistent.
The Bottom Line
Florida State is at a crossroads. The fanbase is restless, and the program's recent record speaks for itself. But the beauty of the transfer portal era is that change can happen fast - if you make the right moves.
This offseason isn’t just about plugging holes. It’s about reestablishing an identity. It’s about showing recruits, fans, and opponents that Florida State is serious about competing again.
The pieces are there to build something - but it starts with nailing this portal window.